Diablo III occupies a strange rockpool in the space-time continuum. Just two years old, it feels like it’s been with us forever: never not being streamed, and never quite finished – even after Reaper of Souls.
But there’s still one major market on the planet where Diablo III never arrived: China. Blizzard will partner with local internet company NetEase to lower the final of their five series pillars into place in the region.
NetEase are already responsible for bringing StarCraft II, WoW, Hearthstone and Heroes of the Storm to mainland China, as well as the battle.net platform all Blizzard games are now launched from.
“We’re very excited that with our effort, all five of Blizzard Entertainment’s game series will be delivered to Chinese players,” said NetEase CEO William Ding.
“We’ll continue to work closely with Blizzard to prepare for a smooth Diablo III launch in China so that local gamers can start playing this epic adventure as soon as possible.”
Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime said his company “appreciates all the support” Chinese gamers have shown them in the past – no doubt thinking of Mist of Pandaria’s success in China.
Blizzard and NetEase will be expecting great things. Remember that Diablo III became the fastest-selling PC game ever upon its release in 2012, thatReaper of Souls sold 2.7 million copiesin its first week, and that it’s now a much better game thanks to Diablo III 2.0.
Have you returned to Sanctuary for another pop at some former angels lately?
Cheers, GamesIndustry.